Co-sleeping: parents, children, and musical beds

Co-sleeping—parents and children sharing a bed—can be a fraught topic for parents. Some experts recommend parents never bring children into bed with them, while other experts extol the benefits of parents and children sharing a sleep space. The topic can generate such strong feelings and controversy that parents can be afraid to share their experiences. Co-sleeping takes readers inside the reality of co-sleeping for families in America. Drawing on original research and extensive interviews, author Susan Stewart goes beyond the fads and vehement arguments in favor or against co-sleeping to look at what actually happens, and the impact of co-sleeping on families—for better or worse.

Given the importance of sleep to our well-being and the heated discussions about how parents should teach their children to sleep, Co-sleeping provides sound, research-based information on co-sleeping and how it really impacts families. The book examines many family structures, children from infancy to teen, for a diverse range of families. The book includes the voices of real parents—both men and women—talking about co-sleeping and touches on topics that all parents can relate to.